Students at a Central Coast private high school are trading in their textbooks for something a little less bulky but chock full of more information: iPads.
Watsonville's Monte Vista Christian School pre-ordered 70 iPads when the hot item when on sale and put them to use right away. Advanced placement English students were the first to get their hands on the gadgets and so far, the high-tech tools are getting rave reviews.
"It just speeds things up. So there's less time for pull out your books." said senior Estelle Richardson. "What if someone forgot their books? They have to go to their locker."
Teachers say the students are better note-takers with the iPads, as the apps make it easier and more efficient. Money to buy each $500 iPad comes from renting out the facility during the summer.
But students don't get to take the wonder tool home them with them. So far, they are strictly for at-school use only. Next year, the school will have at least 200 more iPads for students to use as they work toward the goal of replacing all textbooks with Apple's latest gadget.
"The ultimate goal is every student will have an iPad on their desk at this school," said Steve Sharp, MVCS headmaster.
News of the iPads at Monte Vista Christian made it to the Apple's executives, who will visit the school Wednesday to see the iPad in class. They'll be taking on the roles of students as they take notes on what new gadgets will help teachers and students improve their lesson plans.
